Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wanted to post this because my dog has had a very fluke-y miracle. I have no idea if something like this may help you, but I will tell the story just in case it can help someone.
13 months ago my 10 year old labradoodle, Katie, had her front right leg amputated. In a few weeks the cancer spread to her lungs, with no response to the carboplatin (chemo). We tried some other holistic treatment and no response. The x-rays showed a rapid growth in the tumors and she was given 1-3 months to live.
Here's where it gets weird. Right about the time she was given the "you are on the way to dog-heaven" pronouncement, she and my other dog got away from me and chased down a raccoon. After that she became almost immobile. Turns out she had sprained her back knee on the same side as the amputation. She was miserable and pitiful. She started taking rimadyl and tramadol daily for comfort. I also started her on large doses of turmeric because my dog walker said he had seen results from some of his clients with it. This was around last August.
Katie started getting stronger and stronger. Clear-eyed and perky. In January, I returned to the oncologist and they were so surprised and excited to see us. "We thought Katie had died!". She was re-tested and the x-rays showed that her tumors had shrunk 90%! It was such a happy day. There was great celebration over this miracle!
Is it the rimadyl? The turmeric? The combo? or just a plain old miracle? Who knows?
Katie continues to look good. She will be tested again in a week or two. I know even miracles like this don't last forever, but I thank God for this precious dog every day I continue to have her with me.
Wow Cynthia, that is awesome, it's a dream for all of us to have this happen, congrats!
I see you joined last year when she lost her leg. This is truly amazing. Maybe there was some delayed reaction to the chemo. Whatever it was, that's super duper. We'd love to hear what your vet's theory is too. Best of luck with the check up and keep us posted on your miracle girl OK?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The vet oncologist couldn't explain it. She was so excited that she sent the x-rays to her vet friends. She doesn't think it's the turmeric. And she says that there are a couple of cases where dogs have responded to rimadyl for the osteosarcoma when being treated for something else. Anyway, she will stay on both medications, plus omeprazole to keep her stomach feeling good while on the medications. I will update.
WOW... that is truly amazing!!! Thank you for sharing your story. Indeed, I am sure it will help others and if nothing else, give hope!
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Wow Katie is indeed a miracle girl! So happy for you and your girl! Keep doing what you're doing because it sure seems to be working! What an inspiration Katie is!
Linda, Riley & Spirits Ollie & Mighty Max
I have also heard really great things about turmeric. How many MG's Katie a day? I would love to get my Dane on a regiment.
OMD!!! YAAAAAAAAAY FOR MIRACLES!! We sure could use those around here!! Keep doing what you're doing, feeding what you're feeding, whatever it is , it's working!!
Tha k you for sharing rhis great news! Clearly this is lroof that dogs don't give a rip about statistics, or diagnosis, or timeframes, etc!! Way to go Katie!!
Steak and ice cream for everyone...topped off with sprinkles and turmeric!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Yeah for Katie!!!!
Keep on doing whatever you're doing!
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
That is awesome news. Keep going Katie. Tumeric is supposed to be really good 🙂
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
WOO-HOO!!! FOR MIRACLE KATIE!!!
Harmony became a Tripawd on 10/21/14 (MCT). She left us way too soon on 11/1/14.
"We miss you so much; our love, our heart, our Harmony."
- Pam, Ron and Melody, Meesha, Doublestuff and Mariah Carey
Are you using turmeric paste or just straight turmeric powder? I have been making turmeric paste ('golden paste') for my boy and he gets that with his food twice daily, about a 2-3tsp a day. Please let us know what you have been doing with teh turmeric!
bloosmommy said
I have been making turmeric paste ('golden paste') for my boy...
Thanks for the feedback, and welcome! Your future forum posts will not require moderation. Please consider starting a new topic or free Tripawds blog to share Bloo's story.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Here is what I have been doing: My dog weighs about 65 lbs. after amputation. I have been giving her about 1600 mg. in the morning and 2400 at night with meals. I hide the capsules in liverwurst or hot dogs (Bar S jumbo, cheap and they don't break open). The only downside to this is that the dog poop is hard. So every now and then I give a little one-day vacation from it. I would like to know how to modify this and help Katie's bowel movements be softer.
I remember reading a post from a vet that says fighting osteosarcoma with turmeric is like trying to put out a forest fire with a hose. Who knows if this is what is working? But it is worth a try.
Try adding some pumpkin (pure pumpkin like you use for pies not pumpkin pie mix the purée stuff) about 2 tablespoons or bake up some sweet potatoes and add a little each day. Both are full of vitamins and minerals. I add sweet potatoes to Riley's food every day and it keeps him super regular and he loves it.
That's great news! I use turmeric to cook Johnnie's food. I only get the turmeric powder, not capsules.
Could Bloo's Mommy share the recipe for turmeric paste? sounds like a good idea.
Daniela
Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet. Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues. Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle. October 17: started having seizures. Taking fenobarbital for seizures. April 18: started prednisone.
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